MINERSVILLE — Borough residents had even more reason to celebrate Sunday at the 22nd annual Minersville Spirit Day.

The Minersville Area High School girls’ basketball and softball teams were the honored guests. The state champions received certificates of recognition from state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, Mahanoy City, Bill Hanley, a representative for Congressman Matt Cartwright, D-17, Moosic, and Schuylkill County commissioners George F. Halcovage and Gary J. Hess.

“Never has there been a school in our area that takes the claim to a dozen state championships,” Shawn Fitzpatrick, master of ceremonies and a 1992 graduate of Minersville Area, said.

The Minersville Area softball team claimed its 10th PIAA state title in June. The girls’ basketball team set the tone in March with its first PIAA Class AA state championship. The school district also earned a PIAA Class A state title in baseball in 2007.

“I don’t remember a small town winning two state championships in the same year,” Goodman said. “That’s quite the accomplishment.”

Goodman also said the girls needed to be recognized for the way they carry themselves off the court and field.

“We are so proud of these young ladies,” Halcovage said.

The commissioners had softball players from Minersville Area, Williams Valley and Pine Grove Area at a meeting earlier this year before they went on to the state finals.

“We always had great athletes in the county, but what is even more important is these amazing young people are serving as role models in their communities,” Halcovage said.

“We would really like to thank everyone for their support not just this year, but over the past four years,” Kroznuskie said. “We have been very fortunate to have you guys and I would like to see you all in the stands again when I come home from college.”

Mealey said they always had fans in the stands no matter where they played and also wanted to see that continue for future teams.

“We just want to thank you guys so much,” Mealey said.

Following the noon presentation, the Spirit Day events continued on North Street from Second to Fourth streets with music by the Big and Bad Rockabilly Cats and Steven Masser Acoustics.

The event was held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and featured 35 vendors, including school organizations, booster clubs, civic groups, crafters and businesses.

Marybeth’s Gymnastics, the Minersville Area High School Band, Artists in Motion Performing Arts, the Crimson Academy for the Performing Arts and the Broesler School of Irish Dance also performed throughout the day.

“It’s a good day to get the community together to celebrate the Minersville spirit with each other,” Jerry Sitkus, an event committee member, said. “It was a very special year. We have double champions.”

Contact the writer: mgilgerjr@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

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